Air Niugini’s plan to acquire two Boeing 787-8 aircraft appears increasingly uncertain after recent reports suggested the order had been canceled, although the jets remain listed in Boeing’s official backlog.
The state-owned airline had previously acknowledged in January 2025 that it was reviewing the purchase due to “changing circumstances,” despite the order having been approved as part of its fleet renewal program. Ordered in 2023, the 787s were intended to replace two leased Boeing 767-300 aircraft, which are expected to leave the fleet around 2026.
More recent industry reports have indicated that the order may have been dropped altogether, leaving the airline without a confirmed long-term widebody replacement. However, Boeing has yet to reflect any cancellation in its order book, creating uncertainty over the status of the deal.
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The situation comes as Air Niugini operates one of the oldest fleets in the region. Its current lineup includes Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 jets with more than three decades in service, as well as aging Boeing 767-300 aircraft that continue to handle long-haul routes.
At the same time, the airline has begun introducing newer aircraft, with Airbus A220s entering service to gradually replace older narrowbody jets. The fleet plan includes both A220-300 and smaller A220-100 variants, which are expected to take over domestic and regional operations over the coming years.
While the narrowbody renewal is progressing, the lack of clarity around the widebody strategy raises questions about how Air Niugini will sustain its international network once the 767s are retired. The airline has indicated it is evaluating interim solutions, but no firm replacement has been announced.
If the 787 order is ultimately canceled, Air Niugini may need to extend leases on its current widebody aircraft or seek alternative options, potentially delaying a full modernization of its long-haul operations.
